Islam Beyond: Abbasid Decline and Spread of Islam

Late Abbasid Era Courtly excess & political division cause

decline Harun al-Rashid (r. 786-809)

-Persian advisors-Death causes civil war

First civil war (813-833)-Personal armies/mercenaries made of slaves

-Become force in own right Economic disruption

-Pillaging by mercenaries-Tax burden on peasants-Infrastructure falls into disrepair

Peasant suffering = uprisings

Declining Position of Women Subjugation and confinement to

home Harem

-Part of palace/house reserved for women.- “Forbidden quarters”

Slaves sold and prized for intelligence and beauty

Often had more freedom, not required to wear hajib, veil, in public like free women.

Wealthy women allowed no career outside of home

Religious Trends Resurgence in both mysticism

and orthodoxy Orthodox thought tradition of

questioning would undermine Koran

Sufist movement-Sufists wandering mystics who seek personal union with Allah-Continuing expansion of religion and Islamic civilization

Islam Comes to South Asia Arrive in late 7th and early 8th c. Contrasts between Hinduism and Islam

Initially, violent conflict Trade and religious exchange allow for peace later

Islam Hinduism

Worship single God

All believers equal

Emphasize social mobility

Open and tolerant wide variety of beliefs

Rigid caste system

Invasion 711-Muhammad ibn Qasim led 10,000 troops into Sind. First time encounter culture as sophisticated as own

-Local leaders surrender (Lower taxes and retain position)-Arabs treat as “people of book”

Allows for cultural contacts Est. colonies (trading posts) 962: Turks launch invasions

-Mahmud of Ghazni -Muhammad of Ghur-Indus Valley

-New capital at Delhi-300 years: Dynasties rules northern and central India-“Sultans of Delhi” (Delhi Sultanate)

Conversion and Accommodation Est. of Muslim communities Merchants and mystics carriers of faith

-Converts chose Islam willingly-Buddhism disorganized; Hinduism alienated with caste system-Intermarriage

Hindus believed Muslims would be absorbed into culture.-Adopt Indian style of dress, food, social system, habits.

Realize Muslim religion will not be absorbed.

Spread of Islam (S.E. Asia) Trading Zones Southeast Asian products

important exports to China, India, and Mediterranean.-Aromatic woods-Spices

8th c: Coastal trade in India controlled by Muslims

13th c: Collapse of Shrivijaya allowed full-scale introduction of Islam.

Trading paves way for spread of religion*